By zainab.joaqué@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has submitted a substantial budget request of over SLE 378 million for the 2025 fiscal year to the Ministry of Finance. This request represents a significant increase compared to their projected revenue of nearly SLE 3 million for the same period.
The SLP’s proposed budget for 2025 aims to fund several key initiatives, including:
- Acquisition of 13 specialized vehicles and 50 vehicle clamps.
- Rehabilitation of police headquarters.
- Procurement of 25 trucks.
- Recruitment of 1,000 new personnel.
- Completion of the Ross Road Police Division Building.
These initiatives are designed to enhance the SLP’s operational capabilities and infrastructure.
In 2023, the SLP generated over SLE 4.5 million from various revenue sources, with SLE 3.8 million coming from the deployment of armed guards. However, their actual expenditure for the fiscal year exceeded SLE 640 million, which was 193% above the initially approved budget of SLE 165 million, even after a revised allocation of SLE 313 million.
Despite these budgetary challenges, the SLP made notable progress on their 2023 objectives. They completed 90% of the payment for the nationwide communication network, with installation nearing completion. The Mattru Jong Regional Police Headquarters was fully completed, with final payment expected before the end of the year. Additionally, the procurement of 25 Land Cruisers, 20 trucks, 25 motorbikes, and 3 fibre boats to support the 2023 elections was successfully completed. Recruitment for 1,100 of the targeted 1,200 police personnel was also finalized. However, the installation of CCTV in strategic locations in Freetown faced delays due to insufficient funds.
From January to June 2024, the SLP’s budget performance showed an approved budget of SLE 307 million, but actual expenditure reached SLE 334 million, surpassing the approved amount by SLE 26 million (109% execution rate). During this period, the SLP generated over SLE 1.5 million, with SLE 1 million coming from armed guard deployments.
The SLP highlighted several ongoing challenges, including increasing personnel gaps due to attrition, rising demand for policing services in new and emerging communities, budgetary shortfalls and delays in disbursements, inadequate and deteriorating barracks accommodation, and insufficient technical and scientific support for forensic science.
As the SLP addresses these challenges, their ambitious budget request for 2025 and their continued efforts to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery underscore their commitment to ensuring public safety and security in Sierra Leone.
Currently, the SLP faces outstanding liabilities totalling SLE 5,309,763, primarily owed to two key utility providers. Of this amount, SLE 4,305,277 is owed to the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), and SLE 1,004,486 is owed to the Guma Valley Water Company. ZIJ/30/8/2024
